Margaret J. Thomas, a 59-year resident of Colville, passed away on June 11, 2012 in Spokane. Margaret was born on March 27, 1919 in Yakima, the daughter of Frank Floyd and Hilda Gertrude (Hansen) Briskey.
She was raised in Yakima where she attended school and graduated in 1936. Margaret then worked in the family orchards and packing houses. It was in 1946, that she met and married James Lowell Thomas in Yakima. On Aug. 1, 1948, their son, Gary, was born.

Margaret J. Thomas, a 59-year resident of Colville, passed away on June 11, 2012 in Spokane. Margaret was born on March 27, 1919 in Yakima, the daughter of Frank Floyd and Hilda Gertrude (Hansen) Briskey.
She was raised in Yakima where she attended school and graduated in 1936. Margaret then worked in the family orchards and packing houses. It was in 1946, that she met and married James Lowell Thomas in Yakima. On Aug. 1, 1948, their son, Gary, was born.
Lowell worked as a pipe fitter and boilermaker by trade. He moved his family in 1952 to Colville when he was called to help in the construction of the hospital. Margaret worked in the home, raising Gary and tending to the needs of her family. She later assisted in the housekeeping operations of the hospital. After several years, she retired from the hospital and enjoyed her time in their home on Aladdin Road.
Lowell preceded her in death in 1973.
Margaret sold her home and moved into Colville, where she resided in the Elm Street Apartments for 38 years and managed the apartment for much of that time.
Margaret enjoyed playing bingo and trying her luck at the casinos. Most importantly, she enjoyed the time spent socializing with her friends. Margaret was also a devoted fan of Mariner Baseball and rarely missed a game. Her pre-game, mid-game and post-game activities were most often game related phone conversations with her fellow Mariner fans. She had an expressive character and a heart that was caring.
Margaret was preceded in death by her parents; by a brother, Marlan Briskey, and by a nephew, James Briskey.
She is survived by her son, Gary Thomas and wife, Janet, Colville; grand-daughters, Sheila Lee and husband, Brandon, Clayton; Lindsay Thomas, Colville; great-grandchildren, Jason, Madilyn, Jacob, Megan, Jared, Malorie, Melanie, Joseph and Meredith; one nephew, Don Briskey, Salem, OR.
The graveside service for Mrs. Margaret J. Thomas will begin at 11 a.m., Friday, June 15 at the Mountain View Park Cemetery in Colville. Dick Nichols will officiate the service.
Memorial contributions may be given to the charity of choice.
Please visit the on-line memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com.
Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.